A fast-spreading flu strain in the UK is leaving more people vomiting bile, according to health experts. “Superflu” is not a recognised medical term. It is a media phrase used to describe a particularly harsh flu season driven by a mutated Influenza A (H3N2) virus. In this case, the strain belongs to subclade K and has been linked to more severe symptoms and a higher number of infections.

Experts say this is partly because the virus has changed enough to slip past immunity built from earlier vaccinations or past illness, making outbreaks harder to control. Older adults and other high-risk groups tend to be affected most.

The label is used to highlight a genetically altered H3N2 strain that reduces how well current vaccines match the virus, even though the shots still help protect against serious illness. These changes can make flu seasons arrive sooner than usual and feel more intense than people expect.

Super Flu Strain Linked To Bile Vomiting, Experts Warn

Health officials say the H3N2 variant is proving tougher than expected and is also affecting people’s appetite. Experts suggest this version of the virus may be more aggressive due to genetic changes that have made it stronger and more harmful, increasing the risk of infection. Studies indicate it can trigger more intense body aches, sudden exhaustion, and flu symptoms that appear rapidly.

Why People Are Vomiting Yellow Bile?

Many patients have described vomiting “yellow bile” as one of the standout symptoms of their flu infection. Virologists believe this may happen because the flu is suppressing appetite more than usual, leading people to vomit when their stomachs are empty.

People experiencing symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, or a runny nose have been advised to reduce contact with vulnerable groups. This includes older adults, pregnant women, and those with existing health conditions, as they face a higher risk of serious illness.

UK Flu Hospital Admissions Rising Earlier Than Expected

Hospital admissions for flu in England reached 3.8 per 100,000 people in early November, up from 2.4 the previous week at the end of October, as per Mirror. Dr Simon Clarke, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Reading, told the Daily Mail: “Vomiting bile happens when someone is throwing up on an empty stomach.”

Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia, explained that vomiting yellow bile usually occurs after repeated vomiting on an empty stomach “due to inflammation of the stomach lining.” He added that while it is often referred to as ‘stomach flu’, this symptom can appear as part of influenza. He also pointed out that yellow bile vomiting is common with stomach bugs such as norovirus and rotavirus, which are currently circulating at lower-than-usual levels for this time of year.

Super Flu: Other Symptoms And Advice From Experts

Additional flu symptoms include muscle pain, fever, weakness, extreme tiredness, and a dry cough. These symptoms often start suddenly and usually mean staying in bed to recover. Professor Stephen Griffin, a virology expert at the University of Leeds, told the Daily Mail that people vomiting yellow bile should focus on staying hydrated. “It’s important to drink plenty of water, even if you’re being sick, because some fluid will still be absorbed,” he said.

Early Flu Surge Raises Concern

Health leaders raised concerns in November 2025 after a sharp rise in flu cases earlier than expected. Experts think this may be linked to the H3N2 strain mutating seven times over the summer. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that most identified flu viruses were H3N2. Flu-related hospital admissions in England were recorded at 3.8 per 100,000 people in early November, compared with 2.4 the week before. The agency noted that this level of admissions is normally seen in December. At the time, flu activity was more than three times higher than usual for that point in the year, with children and young people most affected.

Vaccination Urged Despite Limits

Health officials have encouraged eligible people to get their Covid and flu vaccinations to lower the risk of severe illness and hospital stays. Booster doses are available for those over 65, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, and pregnant women. While the vaccine formula was finalised in February to allow time for manufacturing, the mutated strain emerged in June, meaning it may not fully protect against this version of the virus. Experts stress, however, that vaccination remains important to reduce the chances of serious illness and infection.

NHS Still Under Pressure

Although flu-related hospital admissions fell slightly over the Christmas period, England’s chief medical officer has warned that the NHS remains under significant strain as colder weather adds pressure. New figures released last week showed 2,676 patients were in hospital with flu, down from 3,061 the previous week. This drop was partly credited to NHS teams vaccinating more than half a million additional people compared with last year. Demand on services remains heavy, with NHS 111 handling 414,562 calls over Christmas.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “It is encouraging to see fewer people being admitted to hospital with flu, but the NHS cannot afford to relax as temperatures fall and pressures are likely to increase in the New Year. If you are eligible and have not yet had your flu jab, please come forward. It is still worthwhile.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting added: “We are still facing serious pressures. It is more important than ever for those who qualify to get their flu vaccination and for people to use A&E only when it is truly necessary.”

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown benefits beyond blood sugar control and weight loss, including for cardiovascular and kidney health.

Some women, particularly those with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known

as PCOS, have reported conceiving after taking these medications.

Although GLP-1 drugs can support weight loss and improve metabolic health, evidence that they directly improve fertility remains limited.

Woman Says GLP-1 Drug Helped Her Conceive

For 30-year-old Ashlee Amborn, pregnancy was challenging. According to ABC News, she had PMOS, one functioning fallopian tube and half a uterus, which complicated her chances of conceiving naturally.

After years of fertility treatments, she conceived her first two children. Four months after her second child's birth, she became pregnant again.

Amborn said a GLP-1 drug prescribed to manage her PMOS symptoms, including inflammation and hormonal imbalances, helped her conceive. She became pregnant after taking the medication for a month.

"It was kind of these mixed emotions of, 'Holy cow, I'm pregnant,'" Amborn said. "I did this on my own without fertility treatment. All it took was a GLP-1."

Also read: Sorority Rush Sees Ozempic Trend: What Young Women Should Know Before Using GLP-1 Drugs

What Does Research Say?

A recent review published in the Journal of the Brazilian Reproduction Association (JBRA) Assisted Reproduction suggests a possible association between GLP-1 use and improved fertility outcomes in women with obesity and PMOS, particularly those also taking metformin, a medication used to manage blood sugar.

Weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity may support ovulation and reduce ovarian dysfunction. However, more research is needed to establish whether these medications improve pregnancy or live-birth rates.

Can GLP-1 Drugs Affect Ovulation?

Dr. Jacinta Anyaoku, a physician at Maven Clinic specializing in obesity and women's health in midlife, told ABC News that research has not established a direct link between GLP-1 use and ovulation rates, although she has observed potential benefits among her patients.

"When you lose weight, your inflammation goes down," Anyaoku said. "It actually can help with improving your rate of ovulation. Your egg quality could potentially improve if you have reduced inflammation, and so these are all potential effects that come with GLP-1 use."

Sharrón L. Manuel, a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinology specialist at HRC Fertility, attributes the reported "Ozempic Baby Boom" largely to weight loss and improved metabolic health, which may help restore ovulation.

Excess body weight can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, contribute to insulin resistance and affect egg and uterine lining quality.

Manuel also points to preliminary research suggesting GLP-1 drugs may influence reproductive function through hormonal regulation, reduced inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity. However, preclinical findings involving ovarian function and endometrial receptivity require further investigation in humans.

Read More: GLP-1 Drugs Ozempic, Zepbound Use Rises 24-Fold Among American Women After Childbirth

Can GLP-1 Drugs Be Used During Pregnancy?

GLP-1 drugs should not be used during pregnancy. Women planning to conceive should consult their healthcare professional about stopping treatment. For semaglutide, prescribing guidance recommends discontinuation at least two months before a planned pregnancy.

Women should also seek medical advice about using these medications while breastfeeding.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against weight-loss medications during pregnancy. Women considering GLP-1 treatment should discuss the risks, benefits and timing with their healthcare professional, particularly if they plan to conceive.

What About Birth Control?

Tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, can affect oral contraceptive absorption. Its prescribing information recommends switching to a non-oral contraceptive method or adding a barrier method for four weeks after starting treatment and for four weeks after each dose increase.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms differ between women and men, a new study has found, with potential implications for treatment.

Presented at the 2026 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders in Seoul, the study found that women experienced more severe motor complications and depression. Men, however, had greater cognitive impairment.

“Sex differences in movement disorders remain understudied and undervalued despite having an important impact on clinical outcomes in both real-life and clinical trial settings,” said Dr. Marina Picillo, assistant professor of neurology at AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona.

What Did The Study Find?

Researchers retrospectively analyzed 10 years of clinical data from more than 10,000 Parkinson’s patients examined at a movement disorders clinic in Germany.

The findings showed that women had a greater burden of motor complications and depression. Men were more likely to experience cognitive impairment, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and loss of smell.

“By analyzing data for more than 10,000 PD patients, this study confirmed that depression is more common in women, while RBD, worse cognition, and poorer olfaction are more prevalent in men,” Picillo said. “With good representation of women (40%), it also confirmed a greater female burden of motor complications.”

How Could The Findings Help?

The findings highlight the need to account for sex differences in Parkinson’s disease management and clinical trial design, particularly given the historical underrepresentation of women in neurological research. However, the factors underlying these differences remain unclear.

Picillo stressed that considering sex differences when tailoring treatment and designing clinical trials could be an important first step toward precision medicine in Parkinson’s disease.

“This would be the very first, basic step for boosting precision medicine in PD,” she said.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain.

Common symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance. As the disease progresses, patients may have difficulty walking, speaking and performing everyday tasks.

The condition can also cause cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, pain and swallowing difficulties, affecting patients’ independence and quality of life. Although it primarily affects older adults, younger people can also develop Parkinson’s disease.

Global Burden Of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affected an estimated 11.9 million people worldwide in 2021. The number is projected to reach 25.2 million by 2050, a 112% increase.

Can Parkinson’s Disease Be Prevented?

There is currently no established way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. However, research suggests that certain lifestyle and environmental factors may influence disease risk.

• Physical activity: Regular exercise supports overall health, although its role in preventing Parkinson’s disease remains under investigation.
• Diet and nutrition: A balanced diet supports brain health, but no specific diet has been proven to prevent the disease.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain pesticides and other environmental pollutants has been associated with Parkinson’s disease risk. Reducing harmful exposures may help address potential risk factors.

A US lawsuit has accused feminine hygiene brand Carefree of exposing women to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical linked to certain cancers. The complaint alleges that users developed health problems ranging from yeast infections to liver disease.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims the panty liners contained PFOA, a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group, New York Post reported.

The women in the suit claim they suffered health problems, including breast, ovarian and kidney cancer; thyroid disease; chronic inflammation; infections; high cholesterol and immune disorders.

Others allegedly suffered reduced fertility or infertility, while the lawsuit claims the women now live in fear of developing cancer because of their alleged exposure.

“Each plaintiff suffered physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering, anxiety over her diagnosis and treatment, and loss of enjoyment of life,” the papers state.

But can chemicals in panty liners pose a health risk? Scientific research has detected potentially harmful substances in menstrual products, raising questions about repeated exposure.

What Are PFOA And Forever Chemicals?

Also read: 43% Of Women With Autoimmune Diseases Say They Were Told It Was ‘All In Their Head’: Lancet

PFOA is a synthetic chemical belonging to the PFAS family, commonly known as forever chemicals because some can persist in the environment and human body for years.

Research has linked PFOA exposure to an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers. Studies have also associated exposure with health concerns involving cholesterol, thyroid function and the immune system.

However, the risks depend on the chemical, the level and duration of exposure, and how it enters the body. The allegations against Carefree do not, by themselves, establish the extent of exposure from panty liners or the resulting health risks.

What Does Research Say About Chemicals In Panty Liners?

A February study published in Science of the Total Environment detected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates, bisphenols and parabens, in sanitary pads and panty liners.

Detection frequencies ranged from 75% to 100% in panty liners and 50% to 100% in sanitary pads. Phthalates were more prevalent in liners, while bisphenols were detected more frequently in pads.

The researchers estimated daily exposure doses of 2–20 nanograms per kilogram of body weight under normal skin-absorption assumptions, rising to 8–80 nanograms per kilogram under alternative exposure assumptions.

The findings highlight menstrual products as a potential source of chemical exposure, particularly when use is repeated over long periods and exposure occurs alongside other sources.

Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been investigated for their potential effects on hormonal and reproductive health. However, detecting these substances in menstrual products does not establish that using the products causes cancer.

More research is needed to determine how much of these substances is absorbed during normal use and whether the resulting exposure poses a measurable health risk.

Can Panty Liners Cause Irritation Or Infections?

Read More: More Women Buying Testosterone Without Prescription: Can It Help With Menopause?

Chemical exposure is not the only concern associated with panty liner use. Fragrances and other ingredients may trigger allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin.

Prolonged moisture and friction can also aggravate irritation around the vulva. Although liners do not necessarily cause bacterial or yeast infections, continuous use may cause discomfort in some people.

Persistent itching, unusual discharge or recurring irritation should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

How To Use Panty Liners More Safely

• Choose unscented liners: Fragrances may irritate sensitive skin.
• Change them regularly: Replace liners when damp or soiled to reduce prolonged moisture and friction.
• Avoid unnecessary use: Skip liners when you do not need them, particularly if they cause irritation.
• Check product information: Look for disclosures about materials and whether PFAS are intentionally added. Such claims do not guarantee the complete absence of these chemicals.
• Seek medical advice: Consult a healthcare professional if irritation or other symptoms persist.